Stuff the Bus Program helps Homeless Youth
Stuff the Bus kicked off this week, beginning Monday, July 17, in partnership with United Way Monterey County to provide homeless youth with backpacks filled with school supplies. In 2022, school data showed there were 10,050 students in Monterey County living in homeless conditions. New numbers for 2023 show an increase, with 11,395 students experiencing homelessness. The Monterey County Office of Education says there are other ways they help these students. “Affordability is the number one issue we're all facing with finding places to live that are affordable,” said Donna Smith, Program Coordinator II for MCOE’s Homeless Services. “We try to help families get into the coordinated entry system and work with other organizations, either emergency shelters or housing organizations, to help them.” With more students in need, volunteers and staff say this is helping to make a small difference.